Central North Island

This is a traditional tourism area which also includes some offbeat gems. The destinations of Rotorua (geothermal activity), Taupo (lake) and Waitomo (glow-worm caves) have enjoyed significant popularity for a long time. Unknown are remote East Cape and Taranaki, for those who wish to explore. The area includes mountain, bush (rainforest), geothermal activity, remote rivers and extensive coastline and has quite a number of activities which are not nearly as commercial as available elsewhere. Hawke's Bay is a growth area, not only for superb vineyards, but also for access to remote beauty and the art deco town of Napier.

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This is the area north of Auckland. It can be characterised by beach life, yachting, diving, game fishing, a strong Maori presence, and the destinations of the Bay of Islands and 90-Mile... > Read more